Caribbean cruise prices range from $600 to $5,000+ per person for a week, depending on ship size, cabin type, and travel season
A seven-day Caribbean cruise costs between $600 and $5,000 per person, though the actual price you pay depends on when you book, which cruise line you choose, and what kind of cabin you want. Budget lines like Carnival and Disney charge less per night than luxury operators like Regent or Seabourn. The same ship sailing the same route costs more during winter months (December through March) when Caribbean weather is best, and less during summer and fall.
The base price covers your cabin, meals in the main dining room, basic entertainment, and port stops. It does not cover drinks, specialty restaurants, shore excursions, gratuities, or travel to the port. Many readers find the final bill is 30 to 50 percent higher than the advertised cabin price once they add those costs.
Key Takeaways
- Base fares start around $600 per person for a week on a large ship during shoulder season, and rise to $2,000+ per person on smaller luxury vessels or during peak winter weeks.
- Drinks, specialty dining, and shore excursions are not included in the base price and typically add $500 to $1,500 per person for a week-long cruise.
- Booking three to six months in advance usually offers better prices than last-minute bookings, though some lines discount heavily 30 days before departure.
- Gratuities (tips for cabin and dining staff) are automatically added to your bill at $15 to $16 per person per day on most lines.
- Traveling to the port, travel insurance, and pre-cruise hotel stays are separate costs that can add $200 to $1,000 depending on where you live.
How cabin type and ship size affect the price
Inside cabins (no window) on large ships cost the least—typically $80 to $150 per person per night on Carnival, Royal Caribbean, or Norwegian. Ocean-view cabins run $120 to $200 per night. Balcony cabins jump to $180 to $350 per night. Suite cabins and higher start at $400 per night and go much higher.
Smaller ships and luxury lines charge more across all cabin types. A balcony cabin on Regent Seven Seas or Seabourn costs $400 to $800 per night because those ships carry 700 to 1,000 passengers instead of 4,000 to 6,000. You get more space, fewer crowds, and better service, but you pay for it.
The per-night cost is what matters for comparison. A seven-night cruise in an inside cabin on Carnival might be $560 to $1,050 total ($80 to $150 per night). The same week on Royal Caribbean in a balcony cabin could be $1,260 to $2,450 ($180 to $350 per night). Multiply by two passengers and the difference becomes significant.
Seasonal pricing: when Caribbean cruises cost more and less
Winter (December through March) is peak season. A seven-night cruise that costs $700 per person in September might cost $1,200 to $1,500 in January. The week between Christmas and New Year is the most expensive sailing of the year on most ships.
Summer (June through August) and fall (September through November) are cheaper because fewer families travel then and hurricane season is a concern for some travelers. You can find the same cabin for 30 to 50 percent less. Spring (April and May) falls between peak and low season—prices are moderate and weather is still good.
Last-minute deals (14 to 30 days before departure) sometimes undercut advance prices, but this is not reliable. Some lines hold prices steady; others drop them sharply to fill remaining cabins. Booking three to six months ahead usually gives you better selection and predictable pricing.
What costs are included in the base price
Your cabin, all meals in the main dining room, basic entertainment (shows, comedy, live music), fitness classes, and access to pools and hot tubs are included. Port stops are included—you pay no fee to visit each island. Kids' clubs and teen programs are included on most lines. Onboard activities like trivia, dance lessons, and deck games are free.
What is not included: alcoholic drinks, specialty coffee, bottled water, specialty restaurants (steakhouse, Italian, sushi), spa services, casino, photos taken by the ship's photographer, internet, laundry, and babysitting. Gratuities are automatically charged to your account at the end of the cruise unless you opt out in advance.
Drinks, dining, and onboard extras that add to your bill
Alcoholic drinks cost $6 to $15 each depending on the line and drink type. A beer is cheaper than a cocktail. Many people spend $10 to $20 per day on drinks, which adds $70 to $140 for a week. Beverage packages that cover all drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) cost $60 to $80 per person per day, or $420 to $560 for a week. They make sense if you drink regularly; otherwise, ordering as you go is cheaper.
Specialty restaurants charge $15 to $40 per person per meal on large ships, $25 to $50 on luxury lines. If you eat in a specialty restaurant twice during a week-long cruise, add $60 to $200 to your bill. Spa treatments (massage, facial) run $150 to $300 per service. Internet packages cost $8 to $20 per day or $60 to $150 for a week.
Shore excursions—guided tours at each port—cost $50 to $300 per person depending on the activity. A snorkeling trip might be $80 to $120. A zip-line tour could be $150 to $200. A full-day island tour runs $100 to $150. Most people book two to four excursions per week, spending $200 to $800 total.
Getting to the port and other expenses before you board
Most Caribbean cruises depart from Miami, Port Canaveral, Tampa, New Orleans, Galveston, or San Juan. If you do not live near a port, you need to fly or drive there. Airfare from most U.S. cities to Miami or Fort Lauderdale ranges from $150 to $400 round-trip if booked in advance. Parking at the port costs $15 to $25 per day, or you can use a shuttle service for $20 to $40 round-trip.
Some people book a hotel night before the cruise to avoid early-morning stress. A mid-range hotel near a Florida port costs $80 to $150 per night. Travel insurance (which covers cancellations and medical emergencies) costs $100 to $300 per person depending on the cruise price and coverage level.
How to find lower prices on Caribbean cruises
Book directly with the cruise line or through a travel agent. Travel agents often have access to the same prices as the cruise line website, and some offer additional discounts or onboard credits. Websites like CruCon, Cruise.com, and Vacations to Go show prices from multiple lines side by side.
Set up price alerts on the cruise line's website for the sailing you want. If the price drops, you can rebook at the lower rate on most lines (within a certain window). Repositioning cruises—longer sailings that move a ship from one region to another—sometimes offer better per-night rates because cruise lines want to fill them.
Booking a may provide cabin (you choose the category but not the specific cabin) is cheaper than a named cabin. The cruise line assigns your cabin closer to departure, and you might get upgraded. Cruises departing from less popular ports (New Orleans, Galveston) are often cheaper than those from Miami or Fort Lauderdale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do kids pay the same price as adults on a Caribbean cruise?
No. Children typically pay 50 to 75 percent of the adult price, and the third and fourth passengers in a cabin pay even less. A cabin for two adults and two children might cost $1,200 total instead of $1,600 if both adults and both children paid full price. Check the specific sailing, as pricing varies by line and date.
What is the cheapest Caribbean cruise I can find?
The lowest base fares appear on Carnival and Disney during shoulder season (April, May, September, October) in inside cabins. You might find a four-night cruise for $250 to $350 per person or a seven-night for $600 to $800 per person. Add drinks, excursions, and gratuities, and your actual cost will be higher.
Are there hidden fees I should know about?
Gratuities are automatically added to your bill unless you adjust them in advance. Specialty restaurants, drinks, and excursions are optional but straightforward to spend money on without thinking. Travel insurance is optional but worth considering if you book far in advance. There are no surprise port fees or fuel surcharges on most lines anymore.
Can I negotiate the price of a Caribbean cruise?
Not directly with the cruise line, but you can shop around. Prices vary by booking channel, and travel agents sometimes offer onboard credits or discounts. If you see a price drop after booking, most lines allow you to rebook at the lower rate within a set window (usually 60 days before departure).
What time of year offers the best value for a Caribbean cruise?
September and October offer the lowest prices because hurricane season concerns some travelers and families are back in school. May and early June are also cheaper than winter. You trade lower prices for slightly higher weather risk and fewer families onboard, which some travelers prefer.